Accession Number: pdtdbp00002

Details of the Plant

Plant Name : Papaya
Alternative Names : Paw Paw, Papaw, Tree Melon, Kates, பப்பாளி பழம்
Scientific Name : Carica papaya
Medicinal Parts : Fruit, Seeds, Root, Juice, Latex
Plant Category : Fruit
2° Metabolites (23/45) :
Arachidic acid, Calcium, Caoutchouc-like substances, Carbohydrates, Caricin, β-Carotene 5,6-Epoxide, ζ-Carotene, Carpaine, Carposide, β-Cryptoxanthin, Fat, Fiber, Glycoside, Iron, Linoleic acid, Lutein, Lycopene, Magnesium, Malic acid, Manganese, Myrosin, Oleic acid, Palmitic acid, Papain, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Resin, Sodium, Stearic acid, Stigmast-5-en-3-ol, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Volatile oil, Water, Zeaxanthin, Zinc
Phytochemical IDs : pdtdbl00021, pdtdbl00007, pdtdbl00004, pdtdbl00020, pdtdbl00034, pdtdbl00005, pdtdbl00006, pdtdbl00019, pdtdbl00033, pdtdbl00022, pdtdbl00023, pdtdbl00217, pdtdbl00015, pdtdbl00008, pdtdbl00009, pdtdbl00010, pdtdbl00011, pdtdbl00012, pdtdbl00013, pdtdbl00016, pdtdbl00017, pdtdbl00018, pdtdbl00003
Plant Description :

Papaya leaves are made into tea as a treatment for malaria. Antimalarial and antiplasmodial activity has been noted in some preparations of the plant, but the mechanism is not understood and no treatment method based on these results has been scientifically proven. In the belief that it can raise platelet levels in blood, papaya may be used as a medicine for dengue fever.

Papaya is marketed in tablet form to remedy digestive problems. Papain ointment is commonly made from fermented papaya flesh, and is applied as a gel-like paste. Harrison Ford was treated for a ruptured disc incurred during filming of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom by papain injections.

Papaya is used for preventing and treating gastrointestinal tract disorders, intestinal parasite infections, and as a sedative and diuretic. It is also used for nerve pains (neuralgia) and elephantoid growths. Elephantoid growths are large swollen areas of the body that are symptoms of a rare disorder of the lymphatic system caused by parasitic worms.

Papaya has been used for treating digestive problems and intestinal worms. The softening qualities of papain have been taken advantage of, in the treatment of warts, corns, sinuses, and chronic forms of scaly eczema, cutaneous tubercles, and other hardness of the skin, produced by irritation. Papain also is used to treat arthritis. Papaya contains a chemical called papain, which is commonly used as a meat tenderizer.

The sinapism prepared from the root of the plant are believed to be beneficial in treating the tumors of uterus. In the Asian countries, the latex of the plant is smeared at the mouth of the uterus, while the root infusion is used for syphilis in Africa. The latex is also used in curing psoriasis and ringworm in Cuba. It is also used as a local antiseptic in many parts of the world. The leaves of papaya tree are used for treating nervous pains and elephantoid growths. The infusion of its roots is said to reduce urine concretions. Papaya latex, also used as dyspepsia cure, is applied to burns and scalds externally.

Dietary papaya reduces urine acidity in humans. The flowers from the plant are used in treating jaundice.

Plant Keywords : Papaya, Carica papaya, Paw Paw, Papaw, Tree Melon, Kates, பப்பாளி பழம்
Plant References :
  1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papaya
  2. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-488-papaya.aspx?activeingredientid=488&activeingredientname=papaya
  3. http://www.iloveindia.com/indian-herbs/carica-papaya.html
Papaya

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